Suggestions for can't-miss Middle Tennessee holiday activities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (OSBORNE) -- If you’re looking for some fun holiday activities to try out, how about a little help from the 10,000 member Local Moms Facebook group.

Lauren Breeze with the website NashvilleFunForFamilies.com polled the group for WMOT. She asked for their top-five, can’t-miss, mid-state holiday events.

Opryland’s Christmas light display topped the list. If that’s too pricey for your clan, Breeze notes there are a couple of great displays in Wilson County. You can see the “Dancing Lights of Christmas” display at the County AG Center. You might also check out the private display “Chad’s Winter Wonderland.”

Of course, you’re going to want to visit Santa. Breeze says the Green Hills Mall has a unique offering.

“Your children get a new identity as an elf and go through elf training. After elf training then they get to see Santa and have their picture taken.”

If you’d like to get in a little ice-skating with the kids, Breeze says the local mom’s group suggested “The Fountains at Gateway” in Murfreesboro. They also mentioned the Smashville Outdoor rink next to Bridgestone Arena downtown.

Christmas parades are always fun and Breeze says there are lots to choose from.

“Nashville has their downtown parade is this Saturday, December 1, but there are parades in Middle Tennessee communities the next three weekends.”

One final recommendation: Don’t forget Franklin’s “Dickens of a Christmas” coming up on December 8.

You’ll find links to each of these events listed below. You can dive even deeper into holiday activities at NashvilleFunForFamilies.com.